NOVEMBER 5 – Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in Michigan, killing more than 14,500 residents each year, yet many Michiganders still use tobacco. This includes 23.3 percent of Michigan adults and 14 percent of the state's youth. More than half of these tobacco users have tried to quit for at least one day during the past year. Because tobacco products are highly addictive, most users make several attempts to quit before they are successful.

The Health Department of Northwest Michigan will join the American Cancer Society to mark the 38th Great American Smokeout on November 21st. Smokers are encouraged to use it as the date to quit, or to plan in advance and quit smoking that day. By doing so, they will be taking an important step toward a healthier life – one that can reduce cancer risk for themselves and their loved ones.

"The Great American Smokeout is a reminder to encourage tobacco users to quit, and to support them in their efforts," said Linda Yaroch, Health Officer for the Health Department. "There are resources available to help with quitting, and we want to make sure that people are aware of those resources."

Research shows that a combination of therapies, including nicotine replacement, counseling, self-help materials and a strong support network of family and friends, can help smokers quit. There are numerous resources available to Michigan residents:

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) Tobacco Quitline, (800) 784-8669, provides free telephone coaching for the uninsured and those with Medicaid and Medicare, and free nicotine replacement medications for those who qualify. Information on quitting smoking and a free printable Michigan Smoker's Quit Kit are available through MDCH by visiting www.michigan.gov/tobacco.

BecomeAnEX.org is a free, interactive Web site that shows smokers how to re-learn life without cigarettes. The site, developed by Legacy and Mayo Clinic, offers a free, personalized plan and an online support community to help people prepare to quit and stay off tobacco for a lifetime.

The American Cancer Society has tools available to help with quitting. For more information, contact the American Cancer Society at (800) 227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

The Health Department of Northwest Michigan is mandated by the Michigan Public Health Code to promote wellness, prevent disease, provide quality healthcare, address health problems of vulnerable populations, and protect the environment for the residents and visitors of Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, and Otsego counties. Call (800) 432-4121 or visit www.nwhealth.org to learn more.